Revealing the Importance of Hazard Light on Vehicles!

Have you ever wondered about the function of the hazard light on your car?  The function of hazard lights is vital in emergency situations and can help avoid accidents. However, many people still don’t know in detail about the function and how to use hazard lights. In fact, you can use hazard lights in several situations.

In this article, TransTRACK will reveal the various functions of hazard lights that you may not have known before. So, take a good look at the explanation below so that you don’t make the mistake of using hazard lights…

What is a Hazard Light?

Before we understand more about the function of hazard lights, let’s first discuss what hazard lights are. Hazard lights are lights that are usually yellow or orange in color located at the front and rear of the vehicle. This light is usually marked with a red triangle symbol on the button. When turned on, the hazard lights will flash simultaneously, creating a very striking visual effect.

Hazard lights are one of the safety features designed to alert drivers behind your vehicle when in an emergency situation or a situation that requires a reduction in speed.

Hazard Light Function

Hazard lights play a very important role in driving safety. In general, hazard lights have two main functions. Here are the main functions of hazard lights that are important for you to know:

Give Warning to Other Road Users

When a vehicle experiences an emergency situation, such as breaking down in the middle of the road or being involved in an accident, the hazard lights will provide a warning signal to other road users to avoid the vehicle. This is crucial in reducing the risk of additional accidents and ensuring the safety of all road users.

Notification of Abnormal Situation

Hazard lights can also be used to let other drivers know that something is not going normally with your vehicle. For example, if you are experiencing technical issues such as a hot engine, or breaking down in the middle of the road, turning on your hazard lights can let other drivers know that they should be careful when approaching your vehicle.

Common Mistakes in Using Hazard Light

There are still many drivers on the road who use hazard lights inappropriately. Inappropriate use of hazard lights can cause confusion to other drivers. Here are some common mistakes in using hazard lights:

Usage When Parking

One of the most common mistakes is activating the hazard lights while parking. Hazard lights should not be used when the vehicle is parked, unless you are in an emergency situation that requires warning to other drivers.

Use in Normal Weather Situations

Hazard lights should only be used in emergency situations or when your vehicle is having problems. Using hazard lights during normal weather or in normal traffic can cause confusion and obscure the actual warning message.

Use in Light Rain

Hazard lights should not be used during light rain. Improper use in normal weather conditions or light rain can confuse other drivers and reduce the effectiveness of hazard lights when an emergency situation actually occurs.

Convoy Usage

Many drivers use hazard lights during convoys. They usually do this to signal to other drivers that they are part of the group. In fact, when you are in a convoy, there is no need to turn on the hazard lights because it will confuse other drivers. You just need to maintain your distance and speed to avoid being left behind.

Prolonged Use

Hazard lights should not be switched on for too long. They should only be used during emergency situations or until your vehicle is safe. Using them for too long can reduce your vehicle’s battery power.

When is the Right Time to Use Hazard Lights?

After knowing the functions and common mistakes in using hazard lights, you must be wondering when is the right time to use hazard lights? You can use hazard lights in several conditions. Here is a detailed explanation of when to use hazard lights:

Accident or Vehicle Damage

One of the main situations where you should use hazard lights is when you are involved in an accident or have a vehicle breakdown. Hazard lights let the drivers behind you know that something is not going normally and they should be careful when approaching you. This helps prevent additional collisions and tells other drivers to give way.

When asking for help

You can also use hazard lights to call for help from other drivers when your vehicle is in trouble. Turning on your hazard lights when you need help, especially during long hours of the day, can help other drivers’ visibility of your vehicle. This will certainly make it easier for you when you need emergency help on the road.

When Someone Crosses the Road Suddenly

Sometimes people cross the road without paying attention to their surroundings. This will certainly make the driver surprised and need to do sudden braking. To reduce the risk of a chain reaction accident, you can turn on your hazard lights to alert drivers behind you.

That is a complete explanation of the function of hazard lights along with common mistakes and also the right time to use them. Understanding the function of hazard lights in depth can add to your driving insight and reduce the risk of traffic accidents.

To maximize driving safety, you can also take advantage of TransTRACK’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology. This ADAS technology has several driving safety systems ranging from automatic emergency braking systems, adaptive speed regulation, blind spot detection, to rear collision warning systems. Contact TransTRACK now to request a free demo! With TransTRACK, driving becomes safer and more comfortable.